Flood watch issued for N.J. with forecast for up to 2 inches of rain

Matt Rainey/The Star-LedgerWayne Smith, Road Foreman for the Town of Clinton, replaces washed away parking lot with new gravel across from the Red Mill in Clinton on March 15. The parking area washed away as the South Branch of the Raritan River overflowed the retention walls during previous heavy rains. Up to 2 inches of rain is forecast through Tuesday morning.

New Jersey is under a flood watch, from 4 p.m. through Tuesday morning with heavy rain moving in from the south.

Forecasters said the weather system will likely include thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service said those living in areas prone to flooding, like northern and central New Jersey, may face new flooding problems due to the recent storm.

"Those living in low-lying areas or poor drainage areas should pay close attention to what goes on later on today and tonight," said Kristin Kline, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Mount Holy.

Today's temperatures are in the low 60s, with a high of 64. Southeast winds of 10 to 15 m.p.h. are expected for tonight.

The rainfall is expected to be 1 to 1.5 inches, and some spots will see as much as 2 inches, according to the National Weather Service.